Insulation

[Don Clark]

8)

While I agree that M & S is a good source, I doubt a 1991 edition would stand up in court. Also, I suggest that having removed the light switch cover you have placed yourself in the position of being an expert in electrical as well as insulation. The FHA inspection is supposed to be by observation. When you start moving things, opening up things, removing covers, or any other intrusive type of inspection, you take youself out of the "readily observable" situation and put yourself into the home inspector category. Yes, we must observe the insulation in the attic, observe the crawl. I can measure the insulation in the attic. But if I start doing more than that it is no longer readily observeable. Be careful. HUD spevt thousands of dollars convincing the public through TV ads that we are home inspectors, then deny that we are. I have never had a problem with a DEU by stating N/A or not observed. If that is not good enough they can call REAC. I am not about to start ripping off covers on anything to see if it is insulated.

Don

 

[Joe Birrell (NY)]

Thank you Don Clark, I agree 100%. Don't understand what the confusion is about the words "readily observable".

 

[Mike Garrett RAA]

First of all, correct my last post to read 3 - 5/8th, not two (I typed it in wrong). Secondly, thank you Don, you are right 1991 is not the current Marshall and Swift BUT...I just checked my 2001 updates and it is still the current information. The copy I have under the glass on my desk is from 1991, I refer to it all the time, now I have the new 2001 under there just to make you happy.

My class also has the benefit of the lastest M/S on Power Point. I was just too lazy to change the one on my desk. Sorta hard to do with all the stuff sitting on the glass like computer, monitor, scanner, phones, etc.

Least we get too for off topic, the reason FHA wants you poke your head into the crawl space and attic is to see if there is anything wrong, not just check for insulation.

Now you all see why I really prefer not to do FHA appraisals even though I am fully qualified to do so. In the process of doing a VA to FHA conversion on new construction right now, Ugh!

 

[Don Clark]

8)

Mike:

Did not mean to demean :wink: I just wanted to point out that some DEU's are more learned, sophisticated, knowledgeable than others. The ones who tend to pick a report to death are the ones who generally know the least about FHA. I had one who wanted me to make a statement that the property complied with all FHA requirements for minimum property requirements. I said no, that is what you do based on my inspection, the appraisal, and the VC. Only you Ms DEU can make that judgement after I present the facts to you. They insisted, I called REAC, REAC backed me up, I gave the DEU the name of the person I spoke to at REAC as well as the 800 number. No return calls from the DEU. Also, I usually state Unknown or Not Observed, not N/A. N/A means not applicable, and it is applicable. Not observed obviously means that I did not observed it. Unknown means that, under the readily observeable guidelines of the FHA, there was no way to observe and it remains unknown. There are lot's of issues in the FHA handbook that cannot be met precisely. I just completed one where the Hot Water Heater, and the heating and air conditiong systems are all in the attic. The compressor that was outside was all that I could observe. However, I did verify that the heat appeared to work in a satisfactory manner as the house warmed up enough so I could turn on the AC and test that, and the AC appeared to work as it cooled down the house. Now, since I am not required to do more than stick my head and shoulders in the attic, I could not do the rest of what FHA wanted. However, I heard no unusual noises, no smoke, sparks, or unusual odor. Walla :!: Must be ok :wink: BTW, this was a HUD foreclosure, I had a long list of repairs, as well as a requirement that I resinspect with the power and water on. HUD had set aside money for repair and the DEU asked me only to do a final on the heating & AC, and see if the water was on. I could not do the flushee toilee thingamagig as most of the plumbing fixtures were disconnected. So, I verified that heat and AC were on, and water was on. So much for completing all items on a VC. Be careful out there, the next FHA appraisal on a house that you do, you may end up paying for :idea:

Don

 

[bradellis]

Hey Don,

Just in the mood to tweak someone and since we see eye to eye on so many things, you're it!

Hot water heater- do you really heat hot water, or is it already hot?

I had a teacher once who told me if he saw "hot water heater" on a report, he'd write me up. Told me to use hot water tank or just water heater.

I do, but this is obviously NOT anything more than a picky note.

Just having a little fun...

See you,

Brad

 

[Don Clark]

:roll:

Brad:

Could be "tank for heating water", "water tank". "Tank, may contain hot water" 8) IMHO, it is a hot water heater as it has a device or devices that has as it purpose, the heating of water until it is hot. :evil:

Usually I just read whats on the tank.

Don

Brad, not busy are we :?:

 

[bradellis]

Don,

HA!

No, I am certainly busy enugh! Just try to get me on the phone.

I visit these chat rooms EARLY in the morning over coffee. Once at the office it does not happen- I usually handle anywhere from 30-50 calls per day.

Just having some fun and figured you neede a bit too!

Brad